Yes. We are only able to accept applications from U.S. citizens.
2. Do I need to be a U.S. resident to apply?
Yes. You must reside in the U.S. at the time of application.
3. Can I apply if I am still awaiting acceptance notices?
Yes, as long as you have applied to a participating school.
4. Do I need to be a full-time student to apply?
No. You can apply as long as you are a student enrolled in a participating graduate school.
5. Can I apply if I am finished with coursework and working on my research/dissertation?
Yes. If you are enrolled in a participating graduate school, you can apply.
6. Can I apply if I am graduating during the award year?
No. The award will be sent directly to the school for the Fall semester following the announcement of the winner in April. If you will not be enrolled in a participating school at that time, you are not eligible.
7. Can I apply if I am a returning student?
Yes. The scholarship is open to students enrolling in a participating graduate school, whether it is immediately after undergraduate study, or as a returning student.
Application
1. When is the application period?
The application period begins on November 1st at 12:00 am EST and ends January 31st at 11:59 pm EST.
2. How do I apply?
The application can be filled out online HERE. If you would prefer, you can fill out the PDF version of the application and submit it, along with all of the supporting documents via email to [email protected]. Access the PDF version by clicking HERE.
3. Can I save my application progress and return to complete the application at a later time?
No. The application will not save any progress. It is suggested that you save the questions and work on the application at your own pace. Return to the application form only when you are ready with all of your answers and supporting documents ready for submission.
4. Are my undergraduate records acceptable if I am not yet in graduate school?
Yes. You can use your undergraduate records (transcripts, GPA, etc.) if you do not yet have records from a graduate institution.
5. What supporting documents are needed?
You will need to submit your transcripts and your essay. You will be able to submit more than one transcript if necessary.
6. Do I need to submit an official transcript?
No. You may submit an unofficial transcript.
7. How do I submit supporting documents?
The online application will have a “Browse Files” button for both the transcript and the essay that will allow you to choose a file from your computer to attach to the application. You can choose as many files as you want to attach. If you submit the PDF application, include your supporting documents as attachments in the submission email.
8. Will I receive a confirmation of application receipt?
Yes. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation.
Scholarship awards
1. When will the applicants be notified?
Applications will be evaluated by the Award Committee during February and March and the award will be announced in April or May. All applicants will be notified of the results.
2. How does the winner accept the scholarship?
Once the applicants are notified, the winners must accept the award within a reasonable amount of time via email. The winners also need to inform us as to where and when to send the money to their school, since the money is sent directly to the school.
3. What if I am not accepted to a participating school?
Unfortunately, you will no longer be eligible for the scholarship and the award will be given to a runner up.
4. What if I choose to accept admission to a non-participating school?
Unfortunately, you will no longer be eligible for the scholarship and the award will be given to a runner up.
5. What is expected of the winners?
The winners will need to provide the contact information for the billing office of their institution. The Straus Historical Society will be publishing the winning application essays along with a headshot, provided by the winner. If desired, the winners can supply the contact information for their hometown or local media outlets. Additionally, winners should expect to be contacted in the future for updates on their education, career, and accomplishments and, therefore, winners must continue to keep their contact information current.
6. What can the scholarship funds be used for?
The scholarship funds can be used by the graduate institution towards tuition, fees, and other costs incurred by the student from the institution.
7. Will the scholarship funds be sent to the student?
No. The award money from the Straus Historical Society will be sent directly to the graduate school of the scholarship recipient's choice. Applicants may be contacted for additional information.
8. If the scholarship funds exceed the student’s costs, can the remainder be returned to the student?
No. The remainder can be credited to the student’s school account and used for future costs.
9. Can the scholarship be used to repay loans?
No. The award money is sent directly to the graduate school and can only be used by the institution for the student’s tuition and fees.
General
1. What schools participate in the Straus Scholarship?
School of International Service at American University, The Fletcher School at Tufts University, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, and the University of California Sol Price School of Public Policy.
2. How many applications are submitted each year?
The number of scholarship applications that have been received each year varies, but averages around 55.
3. How many scholarships are available?
In 2024, five $5,000 scholarships were awarded. The Society plans to award five $5,000 scholarships in 2025 as well.
4. Who can I contact for more information?
Feel free to write to the members of the Scholarship Committee, Richard Gerstman, Al Berr, and Liza Loop at [email protected].
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